Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology

Fast facts

Course type:	Undergraduate degree
Course length (full-time equivalent):	3 years
Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER):	60.15
Location:	On campus

Course overview

The Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology will introduce you to all aspects of marine science.

It combines technical depth with great flexibility, allowing you to tailor your progress, skills and knowledge to suit your interests.

Great emphasis is placed on teamwork, project design, sampling protocols, in-depth analysis, and written and oral communication, including discussion of key topics.

You will also conduct practical exercises on marine organisms, collecting real data from the marine environment and undertaking research projects onshore, in our aquarium facilities, or at sea.

The course provides graduates with a mix of generic and specific skills that will make you competitive for jobs in marine biology and prepare you for employment in a wide range of potential disciplines.

What will I study? 

Refer to the program of study.

What is Marine Biology?

Marine biology is the study of the living world in the sea, from the simple molecules that support life to the complex interactions between populations of many species. 

The range of specialty areas is huge. There are Marine biologists who study the basic biochemistry of marine organisms, or the growth or behaviour of individual plants or animals. Some adopt an even larger perspective and study how entire marine ecosystems function.

Why study Marine Biology at Flinders?

• We have a large team of marine biologists and oceanographers undertaking world-class research on current issues in marine science. We also have a team of aquaculturists, who are major partners in 2 seafood related CRCs (Cooperative Research Centre) and offer links between the 2 degrees. 

• We are a lead partner in the Marine Innovation SA (MISA), which facilitates research, and infrastructure in the areas of Biosecurity, Ecosystem Services, Aquaculture Innovation and Product Quality and Value Adding. Through MISA:

  • we expanded the Lincoln Marine Science Centre in Pt Lincoln, providing further opportunities for research and teaching in marine biology and marine resource use

  • we increased our academic staff numbers, as a result of MISA's joint appointments with the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI).

• Our marine biology lecturers have strong links with the national and international community, industry and government departments.

• Students are introduced to a range of local marine biology practitioners and taken on field trips to see the facilities at SARDI Aquatic Sciences West Beach and on board the SARDI research vessel Ngerin.

• An extensive array of equipment & infrastructure to support marine research including current meters/profilers, flow-through fluorometers, underwater digital video, submersible multiprobes, particle-size analyser, recirculating seawater aquarium systems with over 20,000 litres total capacity, photo/video-microscopes, etc.
  

Combined degree options

Combine with	Duration (full-time equivalent)
Bachelor of Innovation and Enterprise (Science & Technology)	4 years

Refer to Science and Technology combined degrees for further information. 

Career opportunities

What can I do with my Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology degree?

Study a language

Flinders also offers all students the opportunity to major in a language in conjunction with any undergraduate course. The Diploma in Language is designed to provide students with competence in a chosen language that adds greater portability to their qualifications. You will complete a total of one extra year of study and graduate with both your chosen degree and the Diploma in Language. You can apply for this at time of enrolment.

Entry requirements

Domestic students		International students
Prerequisites:	Knowledge of Year 11 Mathematics and/or Physics is desirable	Prerequisites:	Knowledge of Year 11 Mathematics and/or Physics is desirable
You can qualify for undergraduate courses through: year 12 qualifications mature age entry (STAT) TAFE/VET qualifications higher education transfers. Flinders also offers a range of special access schemes. Refer to undergraduate study applications.		English language requirements

Science and Maths bonus points 

Science and Maths bonus points will be allocated to students studying selected Science and Mathematics subjects in Year 12 who apply for entry to a Science and Engineering degree at Flinders. For more information refer to Science and Maths bonus points

Applications

Domestic students		International students
SATAC code:	214451	CRICOS code:	033068G
Mid-year entry:	Yes	Mid-year entry:	Yes
Apply through:	SATAC Uniweb	Apply through:	International Office

Credit transfer

Refer to credit transfer for further information.

Annual fees

Place type	Domestic students	International students
Commonwealth supported - Student contribution amount	$4,378	N/A
Full fee paying	N/A	$19,300

Note: Domestic student fees are indicative only. Further information: How are these fees calculated?

Related courses

• Bachelor of Technology (Aquaculture)

Further study options 

• Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology (Honours)
• Master of Natural History and Film Making
• Master of Science (Research)
• PhD (Research)

Publications

Domestic students		International students
Marine Biology (PDF 633KB)		2008-2009 Undergraduate International Prospectus (PDF 2MB)

Contact

Faculty of Science and Engineering
Hotline: 1800 803 131 (local call cost)
Email: soak.up.science@flinders.edu.au

School of Biological Sciences
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Sabine Dittmann
Tel +61 8 8201 2007
Email sabine.dittmann@flinders.edu.au 

General domestic students information

Web: Prospective students

Enquiries: Admissions/Prospective Students Office
Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
Tel (08) 8201 3074 or 1300 657 671 (local call cost)
Fax (08) 8201 2580
Email: admissions@flinders.edu.au

General international students information

Web: International students

Enquiries: Ask Flinders